At last months meeting, a proposed amendment to the UTU Constitution was discussed. As Delegate, I have been asked to cast a ballot regarding our position on this proposed change which would allow the International, with approval of the Board of Directors to negotiate private provider benefits for all members on a voluntary "Opt-out" basis.

Brother John Kehoe mentioned that if these benefits, such as the presented disability insurance offered through Mutual of Omaha, were automatic for all members should they "fail" to opt-out, this would be perceived as a dues increase. Through discussion and consensus amongst the members present, I wrote International President Mike Futhey a letter asking for clarification and expressing concerns.

As indicated to the members present, if I received a response confirming these concerns, I would cast our ballot against the proposed amendment. True to my word, upon receipt of the letter from the President's Office, I cast our ballot against the change.

It is my personal opinion this measure will pass so pay attention to the International Web Site at www.UTU.ORG for more information.

June 22, 2009

Brian Donald